Yesterday I wrote about how the Torah portion could be read to address the importance of upholding empathy even as we embrace our own life passions. Today I want to focus on the importance of recognizing our passions and channeling them for good.
After the rather harsh injunction to observe Shabbat, Moses asks the Israelites to bring gifts for the construction of the desert tabernacle—the mishkan. Clearly this story is told as a paradigm for future Israelite (and Jewish) generosity driven by intense communal commitment.
Take from among you gifts to the sovereign; everyone whose heart so moves him shall bring them—gifts for the sovereign: gold, silver, and copper… (Exodus 35:5)
תְּרוּמָה֙ לַֽיהוָ֔ה כֹּ֚ל נְדִ֣יב לִבּ֔וֹ
Truma ladonai kol n’div libo—everyone whose heart is moved. The reference to a state of heart is repeated several times throughout the Torah portion. A wise heart, a heart that is moved, a heart that is imbued with skill—each reference describes a state of mind driven by commitment, enthusiasm, community, and vision. An artist has a wise heart, an Israelite who contributes has a heart of volunteerism, those who have skills have elevated hearts.
In the ancient world, the heart was the seat of emotion and thought. How else could they explain those palpitations we feel in love, a heart racing with excitement, a pounding heart that enables athleticism? Though we have a better understanding of physiology, we still preserve the imagery of the heart as the seat of passion and drive. Of course, a heart emoji is far more pleasing than whatever could be drawn to represent the brain!
The parasha reveals Israelites so connected, acting with such perfect alignment that they build the ultimate structure to welcome God’s presence—the mishkan—the place that brings God close to their hearts—and God’s protection to their midst. What is God’s presence if not the potential for good, the impetus for collective action for the benefit of all, the sharply focused effort to affirm community.
And here’s where the story speaks to us. It is on us to move our hearts to build a word that benefits all, that protects the least of us, and shines a light into the next generation—to bring God’s presence into the world. The work is too great for any one of us, but it is achievable when our hearts are aligned in a common effort. May our hearts be moved, lifted, strengthened, and inspired so that we, too, can build a world worthy of God’s presence.
The full portion is here.
— Rabbi Ron Stern